Ethics Resources

Ethics Committee provides FAQ on maintaining ethics in a shifting national landscape

Ethics Committee FAQ: Maintaining Our Ethics in a Shifting National Landscapeopens in new window
These FAQs focus on how psychologists can maintain a commitment to core ethical principles while adapting to societal shifts, evolving legal policies, and technological advancements.

Ethics Committee provides FAQ on ethical dilemmas confronting psychologists and the use of artificial intelligence

The Ethics Committee Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ethical Issues Related to the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Social Media in Psychology (PDF, 258KB)opens in new window
These FAQs were drafted by Laura Lamminen, PhD, ABPP, Nancy Haug, PhD, ABPP, and Heather Ciesielski, PhD, ABPP, members of the APA Ethics Committee, with the support of the APA Ethics Office staff.  

Ethics Committee adopts ethical guidance on the use of AI in health service psychology

The APA Ethics Committee has adopted the Ethical Guidance for AI in the Professional Practice of Health Service Psychology (PDF, 458KB)opens in new window. It was initially drafted by APA’s Mental Health Technology Advisory Committee (MHTAC) in collaboration with ethics experts and staff.

APA Ethics Committee Issues Guidance on Psychologists Commenting on Public Figures’ Mental Health

The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethics Committee has released, Ethical Considerations for Psychologists when Commenting on Public Figuresopens in new window.

While the APA Ethics Code does not mirror the American Psychiatric Association’s Goldwater Rule, it prohibits psychologists from diagnosing individuals they have not personally evaluated. The document clarifies that ethical standards apply even in informal or social media settings and under First Amendment protections.

Ethics FAQ on overturning of Roe v. Wade

The Ethics Committee endorses the recent FAQ prepared by Ethics Committee Chair Dr. Mary Brabeck and Vice Chair Dr. Evelyn Hunter, titled Frequently asked questions regarding the ethical issues related to the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade (1973) (PDF, 120KB)opens in new window, published on July 27, 2022.

Rules and procedures

The APA Board of Directors approved revised Rules and Procedures of the Ethics Committeeopens in new window (PDF, 196KB)

The revised Rules, adopted in response to the recommendations of the APA Commission on Ethics Processes, are designed to simplify and streamline the APA adjudication process, making the Rules less legalistic and easier to comprehend. Under the new Rules, APA’s adjudication program concentrates its efforts on Ethics Committee review of serious ethics violations that could lead to expulsion.

Important changes in the Rules include:

• The fair and effective “show cause” adjudication process is expanded. Currently, the show cause process requires a member to “show cause” why he or she should not be expelled if behavior meeting an expellable threshold results in one of a list of serious actions being taken against his/her license by a licensing board, his/her state psychological association membership, or if he or she is convicted of a felony. Under the new Rules, the list of serious actions for which the show cause process may be used is expanded to include any additional licensing board action significantly limiting the member’s license. In addition, disciplinary actions by other entities (such as a governmental body, faculty grievance committee, or civil or criminal court) can be considered for the show cause process if APA can obtain a record showing the adverse action, the expellable behavior, and that the proceedings afforded the psychologist due process.
• The ethics complaint process is now reserved for serious complaints alleging expellable behavior (for example, sexual misconduct, insurance fraud, plagiarism) that would otherwise have no avenue for review. Individuals contacting APA wishing to file a complaint will also be provided information on other potential forums having a greater ability to review the complaint in depth and provide the types of resolution complainants are seeking.
• Timelines are simplified, made more consistent throughout the Rules, and, in some cases, shortened.

• APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2017 (PDF, 272KB)opens in new window

• The 2003 Ethics Code became effective June 1, 2003 and was published in the December 2002 American Psychologistopens in new window.

• APA Ethics Committee Rules and Procedures (2018) (PDF, 196KB)opens in new window
• APA Ethics Committee Rules and Procedures (2016)

Read the Commission Report (PDF, 330KB)opens in new window

• A terminally ill patient's last request
  November 2009, The Monitor on Psychology

• Termination and abandonment: A key ethical decision
  September 2009, The Monitor on Psychology

• Disability as an ethical issue
  June 2009, The Monitor on Psychology

• Essential Ethics for Psychologists
  This one-of-a-kind book acculturates the reader into ethical practice in psychology by enhancing critical thinking skills.

• Ethical Conflicts in Psychology
  This updated edition presents selected readings on crucial ethical issues that psychologists encounter in their roles as clinicians, researchers, teachers, consultants, and assessors.

• Ethics Desk Reference for Psychologists
  This book is an easy-to-use pocket guide that aids psychologists in identifying and avoiding ethical dilemmas.